This is a reposting, I deleted the chapter and reuploaded so that those of you follow me would get a notification. BECAUSE this chapter is now very different none of the proceeding chapters will make sense less you reread this one. I realize that this is kind of a pain, so I apologize. one negative aspect of posting the chapters as I write them is that sometimes I realize I need to go back. Speaking of which, I have spent the last week and a half going back through and editing the story as a whole. It is still the same story and not much has changed but there are some little bits of new content or situations differently described. However if you have some time and don't mind I would recommend starting at chapter 16 to read into this situation as that chapter was changed somewhat as well. Thank you to all my readers.

Chapter 17

To cover his still racing heartbeat, Darcy summoned a withdrawn expression and quietly sipped his tea. The rest of the group chattered and laughed amiably, but Darcy was still affected by his stolen kiss with Elizabeth. Nobody could have been more surprised than Darcy at his own boldness. He had always prided himself on his controlled, rational and considered method of behavior but when it came to Elizabeth, Darcy found those traits had abandoned him. Something about Elizabeth both allowed and forced more expressive reactions from him. In Elizabeth's influence he had been more furious, euphoric, depressed, affectionate, bold and terrified then he had ever been in his life. The knowledge of her effect on him terrified and thrilled him. If he was being honest with himself Darcy knew that this impact of Elizabeth's was one of the reasons he had first resisted the attraction to her.

But Darcy also knew that it was what made her perfect for him. Pemberley was too quiet, too somber and cold. Despite the fact that he himself was a large contributor of those qualities, Darcy had long felt this about his home. He treasured Pemberley but since his mother's death the estate had lost its feeling of home in many ways. Georgiana was a warm, affectionate child but too similar to his own personality to change the atmosphere of the estate.

To maintain a composed mien Darcy was pretending to drink his tea and look out the window but he could not help but be extremely aware of Elizabeth seated just next to him. And so, when he saw her finish her tea, Darcy wordlessly set his own aside and took her empty cup and saucer from her. She looked up at him in surprise, but he simply stood and walked over to the tea table. Typically, it was the hostess's job to refill cups and offer treats, but Miss Bingley had little interest in the Miss Bennets and Darcy enjoyed the opportunity to take care of Elizabeth even in a such small way as this. He had long ago taken note of how she preferred her tea and so confidently added both cream and sugar to the brew and then paused to consider the assorted treats and hors d'oeuvres. Like most women of his acquaintance Darcy knew Elizabeth preferred sweet treats but which one? With her first cup she had chosen a tea biscuit, but he hadn't noticed any particular relish with its consumption. He picked out a pretty little lemon tart and returned to Elizabeth's side.

As he passed Miss Bingley's seat, he saw her looking at Elizabeth's cup and saucer in his hand with apparent frustration. Darcy internally smirked, he knew it must gall her when he was affectionate towards Elizabeth. After all the years he had known Miss Bingley and had never once shown her any attention despite her many attempts to draw it Darcy knew that she was furious him court a woman she disliked. When he and Elizabeth had entered the room and Miss Bingley had seen the lovely blush on Elizabeth's cheeks, her own had flushed but with anger instead of joy. That she had not said anything about it was a mercy, but Darcy supposed she didn't want to give credence to their relationship. After all, she had yet to actually mention the courtship in his hearing. Darcy wondered how long she could continue pretending it didn't exist.

Darcy found that Elizabeth's smile of thanks and apparent enjoyment of her tart was immensely fulfilling and looked forward to many other little ways he could serve his Elizabeth. His Elizabeth she was or at least, very soon would be. At first Darcy had been hesitant about entering into a courtship as it had seemed to be an activity that contained all the things he was worst at. But, after putting his mind and will into the endeavor he found that like most things, he was actually quite good at it. The courtship had been going very well, Darcy thought. While there had certainly been some bumps in the road, Darcy felt that the affection between him and Elizabeth had been growing steadily. He wasn't sure if she was in love with him yet but he now no longer feared that she would never be so. Just a little more patience and he thought he could start looking at wedding dates.

Darcy's pleasant musings were interrupted by a servant coming in to inform them that Georgiana's carriage had been seen entering the drive. At this the entire party stood and made their way toward the front entry. Darcy wished he had could have greeted his sister alone or maybe just with Elizabeth but recognized that as the host and hostess, it was only right that the Bingley siblings come along and thus Jane Bennet as well so as not to abandon her. Thankfully everyone else stopped at the top of the stairs to wait for Georgiana so Darcy went alone to help her out of the carriage. As soon as the carriage stopped he eagerly opened the door and after helping Mrs. Annesley out, was able to see his sister's smiling face at last.

"Brother! I have missed you!"

Darcy leaned slightly into the carriage and said, "I've missed you too, pet. Are you feeling any better?" The note she had sent him had explained that she was feeling a little under the weather but by saying that it was a common malady and nothing to worry about, had hinted that it was simply her time of the month. This was, of course, not something they ever spoke of but Darcy had been forced to know somewhat of the situation because several times a doctor had been called for her extreme pain. It was a situation that he hated because he felt helpless to do anything about it. The doctor had said that his mother had suffered from similar extreme symptoms during her monthlies.

His suspicion was confirmed when at his question Georgiana looked embarrassed. "Yes, though, I am somewhat tired."

"Well, after you greet everyone you can retire until dinnertime if you wish."

"I do not wish, I would much rather have fun with everyone. I will stay at least a little while and if I get too fatigued, I will rest in my rooms then."

He gave her his most encouraging smile and help her out of the carriage. After a brief hug he led his little sister up to the rest of the group. Bingley bowed and eagerly welcomed her to his home. Miss Bingley fawned, Miss Bennet smiled sweetly, and Elizabeth made Georgiana laugh with a quip about the road and then introduced her to Miss Mary. Soon they were all resettled in the sitting room. For a pleasant few moments, the group sit and spoke of Georgiana's journey their delight in seeing her again. When the topic turned to local news however Miss Bingley spoke to Elizabeth directly for the first time since greeting her.

"Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the shire Militia to soon be removed from Meryton? That will surely be a great loss to your family."

Darcy froze. Wickham. Dear God, don't let her bring up Wickham in Georgiana's hearing! Before he could say anything however, he heard Elizabeth reply.

"One is always sad to see their friends leave but it cannot be called a loss for our family. More correctly, a loss for the society here in Meryton for as you have often pointed out, it is a small county village and society here has little variance."

Darcy was pleased to see the easy, disinterested manner of Elizabeth's reply as well as the content of it for it spoke of little personal interest.

"I should have thought one gentlemen's absence would cause you particular distress." Miss Bingley pushed.

"I cannot think what you mean." Elizabeth answered calmly but now her eyes snapped.

"I understood that certain ladies in the area found the society of Mr. Wickham oddly agreeable."

Georgiana's teacup clattered against her saucer and Darcy spun towards her, catching sight of her pale face and round eyes. Darcy immediately moved towards her. He looked back at Elizabeth to see her also looking at Georgiana, confusion written in her eyes but then she responded. "Lt. Wickham is liked by many in Meryton it's true. For he is amiable and sociable, as are many of the officers. As I said, the society here will be lessened when they leave."

Before Miss Bingley could say more her brother thankfully broke in, loudly proclaiming that he, in any case, would miss the society of Colonel Foster and the other officers he had often dined with. Darcy turned his attention back to his sister, who was still looking down and quite confused. "Georgiana, what can I do?"

"Brother, do not worry, it is only… only that I think you were right, and I ought to rest." She murmured in return.

"Of course, I will walk you to your room."

"You do not have to take the trouble, remain here and enjoy the conversation."

Darcy ignored this and, taking her cup and setting it aside, he helped her to her feet. He excused them from the group stating the journey as the cause for her desire to rest and then led her from the room. When they had walked a sufficient distance from the room Darcy leaned down and murmured. "I apologize, dear one."

"No, brother, it's alright. You warned me that he was in the area. It was always probable that someone would mention him. I was just startled and perhaps a little too tired."

"You know that Miss Bingley did not mean to make you uncomfortable, she knows nothing of- of our history with him, only that we are not on good terms. Though even that much information was enough that I thought she would not bring it up. I will insure she knows better after this."

"Oh, Fitzwilliam, please do not scold her, she didn't mean anything by it."

"She definitely did, though you were not the intended target of her comments it is true."

"What do you mean?" Asked Georgiana who had apparently been too confused to notice that Miss Bingley had been implying a connection between Elizabeth and that abhorrent man.

Just the insinuation set Darcy's teeth on edge and he certainly was not going to admit to Georgiana that Elizabeth had at one time seemed to care too much for the loathsome Wickham. "Worry not, dear sister. Just know that you are safe here. Bingley knows that- that he is never to be invited or accepted here. And I will always be with you should you wish to go out. What is more, he will have to leave with the rest of the militia in but a few days. It is very unlikely that you should see or hear of him again."

Georgiana seemed reassured by this and he soon saw her into her rooms where he gave her a gentle hug and then left her in the care of her maid. He was frustrated that he couldn't do more but as was often the case with his young sister, did not know how to comfort her. Especially when it came to this subject. Will that man's cursed shadow never leave us? He thought to himself as he walked back down the hallway. As he reached the stairs, he looked down to see Elizabeth hesitating at the bottom.

The sight of her filled him with conflicting relief, frustration and delight. Seeing her was always a delight and her obvious concern was encouraging but he did not want to speak of Wickham at all and certainly not to her. He had seen last fall that she had liked the foul man and in truth had been so furious at her lack of discernment that it had given him the strength he had needed at the time to leave Hertfordshire. Since then, however, she had never mentioned him, and Darcy was more than willing for the name to never pass his lips again.

He met her at the bottom of the stairs and Elizabeth said anxiously, "I thought Miss Darcy looked uncomfortable. I wished to offer my assistance or comfort but then… was unsure that I would not be intruding."

"I am pleased to see your concern for Georgiana. She is well, only wished to rest."

"Mr. Darcy, I-" Elizabeth looked troubled and hesitant but then continued. "I thought I saw that the mention of Lt. Wickham had caused Miss Darcy some discomfort. I admit to being very confused. Lt. Wickham told me that- that they had once been close."

Darcy's blood turned to ice in his veins. Whatever other lies Wickham had told around Meryton Darcy had been sure that he would never speak about the incident with Georgiana. Quickly he grabbed Elizabeth's wrist and pulled her into a side room. It was the billiard room again and his stomach churned to think of the difference in his mood now and what it had been but a half hour ago in this very place. "What. Did. he say." Darcy said through gritted teeth.

Elizabeth looked very startled and said, "Very little! Only that- that he had watched her grow up and had often played with her. That she had been a sweet child. I- I just thought that while they may not be close anymore, her reaction was strange."

Relief almost made him slump into the nearest chair, but he only stepped back a little. "While it is true that he knew her as a child, that was long ago. Please do not ever mention him in her presence again. No matter how 'amicable and sociable' he is in the minds of some people, it is an unpleasant topic for her."

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed at his comment and answered, "The whole of Meryton thinks this of him. If you wish counter it, you are more than welcome to."

"I need not answer to anything that man has said. Why do you take such an interest in his affairs?"

Elizabeth pulled back even more, and he saw her fists clench, "He has only ever been friendly and kind to me. I need not defend my friendships to you! But on this subject, what can you have to say? In what imaginary act of friendship can you defend yourself?"

"Defend myself? I must defend myself on his account?" Darcy exclaimed loudly. Quickly he paced away and then furiously walked up and down the room twice. His head spinning with anger and frustration. How had this conversation gone so terribly wrong? How could she accuse him? She who had only a short while ago flirted with him and allowed him to kiss her? He eyed her, still standing in front of the door, still with fists clenched and with her jaw set stubbornly. The sight only made him angrier, why did she not trust him? Who was she to challenge him? She knew nothing of situation but saw him as the enemy!

Just then there was a soft knock on the door. Both Elizabeth and Darcy gave a little startle. "Lizzy, are you in here? I am just letting you know that we are all going to walk out to the gardens," came Jane's gentle voice.

"Yes, Jane, I am coming," Elizabeth said and turned to open the door.

Darcy leapt over and grasped her wrist again, calling through the door, "Please, Miss Bennet give us just one moment."

"Of course. Don't be too long Lizzy."

"Yes, Jane, I will join you in a moment," Elizabeth said calmly but she yanked at her wrist and glared at him. Jane murmured her assent and then they heard her footsteps move away. Elizabeth pulled on her wrist again and Darcy realized he was squeezing it way too tightly. He dropped it quickly.

"I- I apologize. I did not hurt you, did I?"

She rubbed her wrist but shook her head. Then they both hesitated. The interruption had cleared his head somewhat and now he desperately wanted to leave the conversation and never return to it. He hated that they were arguing but didn't know how to resolve it. "Elizabeth. I apologize for losing my temper just now. I am afraid that this is a subject on which I cannot remain calm. Your sister is waiting for us and my control is such that I dare not speak more but to apologize for my manner. Someday I will tell you all, but for the present just do not speak of him to Georgiana and do not interact with him if you can help it."

Elizabeth's ire remained in her expression as she studied him for a long moment. Her jaw worked but she said nothing until finally, glancing away she murmured. "I accept your apology."

Her words did not seem entirely sincere, but Darcy still too upset himself to comfort her further. He opened the door and bowed to her, "Come, Miss Elizabeth, let us join your sister and our friends and think no more on this, I beg you."

Elizabeth followed him silently and they soon joined the others in Netherfield formal gardens. Elizabeth immediately left his side to walk with Jane, her manner making it very clear that she wished for some distance from him. He could not help but comply. How had the mood changed so drastically, so quickly? He too wanted some distance for himself and wished he could go riding or at least shut himself in his rooms to think better but at the same time he did not wish to let her out of his sight. He did not wish to part from her while still angry, fearing what it would do to their relationship. Darcy followed the group for some time, watching Elizabeth but staying back. She was smiling and laughing with the group, but Darcy knew her well enough now to see the tightness in her posture that spoke of hidden anger.

"I apologize, Mr. Darcy, if my comments in the sitting room offended you. They were not meant to. I was only speaking of town gossip and quite forgot that you were on bad terms with that officer," said Miss Bingley, slowing to walk next to him.

Darcy appreciated her apology. Though he knew that her comments had been meant to make Elizabeth uncomfortable, he had also known that she could not have known how upsetting they would be to Georgiana. Miss Bingley knew only that there was some history there and had never asked anything more about it, trusting that whatever had happened he, Darcy, had been in the right. He could not help but appreciate her loyalty. If not that her target had been Elizabeth, Darcy could have easily forgiven her.

"I know that you meant no offence to me, Miss Bingley. However, I hope that now you realize that this subject is better off never spoken of again."

Miss Bingley nodded eagerly and said, "Indeed, Mr. Darcy. You need never worry about my lips ever saying that name again. I couldn't have less interest in the subject. I cannot promise that you will never hear it again though as I know that there are some people who have less perfect judgement on the matter." And then she pointedly looked at Elizabeth.

"I must remind you, that it was not Miss Elizabeth who brought up the subject."

"Of course, and again, I apologize for my part in that conversation. Come, let us speak of happier things, have you heard from your Uncle the Earl recently?"

Before he could respond he saw Elizabeth look back and him and then, noticing Miss Bingley, saw her expression darken. This was one misunderstanding that they did not need. Darcy knew how Miss Bingley saw him and knew that Elizabeth was aware as well. What he did not need after an argument with Elizabeth was to be seen walking with her rival. Abruptly, Darcy gave Miss Bingley a short bow and quickened his steps, catching up to Elizabeth. He still couldn't bring himself to make idle conversation, but he hoped to make his loyalties clear and so just walked quietly next to her. Elizabeth did not acknowledge his change in position at first, instead continuing her conversation with Jane on the plants around them. But after another few moments the path started to get narrower and just when he about to fall behind, Elizabeth suddenly took his arm.

"I'm sorry, Jane, for I fear I have been monopolizing your time! Indeed, I have been getting many a glance from my future brother."

"Not at all, Lizzy, but now as the path is awkward for the three of us, I will join Charles if you do not mind very much."

Elizabeth laughed and waved her sister toward Bingley who had originally been walking with his sister and Miss Mary but after his sister had abandoned him, he had slowed, awkwardly trying to join the conversation with Jane and Elizabeth by talking over his shoulder.

Miss Bingley, apparently frustrated and disinterested in speaking with any in the group, announced herself tired and returned to the house.

A few more moments passed, neither Darcy or Elizabeth spoke but he was grateful she had taken his arm. The feeling of her little hand resting the crook on his arm was comforting to his ruffled emotions. Eventually she did make some small comment to him about a certain flower. He answered and then they were quiet again. Another moment and then he happened to catch sight of a hawk in the distance and pointed it out to her. She smiled and told him of a hunting hawk she had once met. Slowly, conversation between them grew easier.

It was still some time before he felt that all traces of their argument had completely disappeared. But eventually they both became easy once more and he felt that they were, both of them, forgiving the other. After walking sometime with Bingley, Miss Bennet and Miss Mary, they finally returned to the house. They played some cards and then it was time for dinner. Georgiana rejoined them and by the time they sat down to dinner it was a merry party once more.

The argument did stay in the back of Darcy's thoughts, but he was grateful that they had been able to move past it and tried to act as if nothing had gone wrong. It seemed that Elizabeth felt the same and so they were able to enjoy each other's company the rest of the evening. By time Bennet sisters had had to depart, Darcy had felt free and easy to kiss her hand in farewell.